This course focuses on basic and applied psychological science or scientifically-oriented professional practice in family, juvenile and civil courts as well as other legal settings involving children and families. The course reviews law and legal procedures regarding child abuse and neglect proceedings, status offenses, juvenile delinquency, and child custody proceedings. Therein, the methodology of conducting forensic evaluations (as well as hybrid roles as interventionists) is discussed in detail, including specific kinds of clinical and ethical challenges that may arise. The objectives of this course are to: (1) apply psychological theory and research to family, juvenile and civil law proceedings; (2) become oriented to the assessment methodology and instruments employed when conducting family and child custody evaluations; (3) learn the fundamental elements of juvenile justice issues including juvenile psychopathy, as well as types of the evaluations addressing juvenile risk assessments, competency to proceed, transfer to adult court, and disposition alternatives; (4) highlight relevant family and juvenile case law for practitioners; (5) apply relevant ethical decision-making and (6) continued formation of forensic writing and testimonial skills.

Prerequisite courses: PSY-730